Sack Race

It may be the international break but that doesn’t mean managers can relax; chairmen with itchy trigger fingers may see this as the ideal time to make a change. If not now, the hectic pre-Christmas period can increase pressure rapidly if results go badly.

We take a look at the bosses most under threat in the Premier League, and see if the upcoming fixture list is likely to offer relief, or further grief.

All odds given are best on the market. Just click on any of the links, sign up with the bookie and claim a free bet.

Steve Kean: (Blackburn)

Next Manager to Leave Odds: 8/11 (PaddyPower)
League Position: 19th
Form: 2 points from 18
Upcoming Fixtures: Wigan (a), Stoke (a), Swansea (h), Sunderland (a) West Brom (h)

Verdict: The man seemingly under the most intense pressure. On Sunday there was even a plane flown over Ewood Park carrying a ‘Steve Kean out’ message. It’s a long way back from there, but there are winnable games coming up. The Venky’s Group recently claimed they still support the Scot “101%”.

Steve Bruce: (Sunderland)

Next Manager to Leave Odds: 7/2 (PaddyPower)
League Position: 15th
Form: 5 points from 18
Upcoming Fixtures: Fulham (h), Wigan (h), Wolves (a), Blackburn (h), Tottenham (a)

Verdict: The win at Bolton a couple of weeks ago was crucial, and eased the pressure for a time. But the money spent in the summer demands more than a relegation dogfight. Bruce has a dream run of games coming up; three of the next four at home and all against fellow strugglers. A blessing will quickly become a curse if the results aren’t up to scratch.

Roberto Martinez: (Wigan)

Next Manager to Leave Odds: 4/1 (SkyBet)
League Position: 20th
Form: 0 points from 18
Upcoming Fixtures: Blackburn (h), Sunderland (a), Arsenal (h), WBA (a), Chelsea (h)

Verdict: However popular he was, eight straight defeats is calamitous. He was 40/1 for the chop just a month ago but the situation has become critical quickly. The next game against Blackburn could be decisive; a win for either manager could buy themselves time while condemning the other.

Mick McCarthy: (Wolves)

Next Manager to Leave Odds: 9/1 (PaddyPower)
League Position: 13th
Form: 4 points from 18
Upcoming Fixtures: Everton (a), Chelsea (a), Sunderland (h), Man Utd (a), Stoke (h)

Verdict: Four points from 18 may sound bad, but crucially three of those came at the weekend when Wigan were beaten 3-1. The two goals scored in the final six minutes to rescue a point against Swansea may have been even more vital. Tough away trips are coming up, so points at Molineux against Sunderland and Stoke look key.

 

Owen Coyle: (Bolton)

Next Manager to Leave Odds: 10/1 (SkyBet)
League Position: 18th
Form: 6 points from 18
Upcoming Fixtures: WBA (a), Everton (h), Spurs (a), Villa (h), Fulham (a)

Verdict: Six points from 18 isn’t great, but it’s better than any of these other managers can boast! The importance of the 5-0 win over Stoke on Sunday can’t be overstated. Before that the Trotters were pointless at the Reebok. Upcoming games give Coyle a chance to return to the comfort of mid-table.